Could This Be The Answer To Costly Sick Leave?

‘Chucking a sicky’ is perhaps one of the greatest Australian rites of passage.

Full-time employees have the privilege of claiming a day’s pay to stay home in bed when they’re feeling under the weather. (Or sometimes, just when they want a long weekend.)

And of course, paid sick leave is vitally important for anyone experiencing unexpected or ongoing health issues, or caring for a loved one with illness.

Whether it’s an excuse for a day off, self-inflicted, or genuine, sick leave costs businesses and the Australian economy more than $44-billion each year.

The Australian Industry Group’s 2015 Absenteeism and Presenteeism Survey Report estimates each sick day directly costs organisations approximately $578, which includes wages and lost productivity. That figure rises exponentially when you take into consideration lost sales or the cost of hiring replacement staff.

The latest statistics show the rate of absenteeism across Australia has grown 7% since 2010, with up to 5% of the nation’s workforce calling in sick daily. In a workplace of 20 employees, that’s 1 person absent every single day.

Interestingly, the report also found the opposite problem of presenteeism – that is, productivity losses resulting from staff attending work while sick – costs businesses around $35-billion annually. So what can be done about it?

Hiring remote staff offers a comprehensive solution to both of these issues, and thousands of organisations are already saving money by operating virtually.

Founder Debbie-Jo Dutton has worked virtually for more than 10 years while travelling and living all over the world as a military spouse. While remote staff are generally entitled to the same leave benefits as onsite employees, Debbie says remote staff are more likely to work and be productive even when they’re not feeling their best.

“When people are working from the comfort of their own home, they can usually put in at least a few hours of work even if they do have a cold or the sniffles,” she said.

“Of course, all staff should be encouraged to get the rest they need when they’re unwell. But if they do decide to work, remote staff won’t come into physical contact with any other team members, so there’s no chance of illness spreading through the whole team which often happens in traditional workplaces.”

Importantly, remote employment offers flexible career opportunities and financial security, especially welcomed by those with long-term illness or disability, as well as people caring for others with health issues.

Debbie says a growing number of people are realising the benefits of working remotely and workplaces are responding with a growing number of companies now offering remote employment opportunities.

Whether you’re an employer looking to reduce costs and increase your team’s productivity, or a professional seeking remote career opportunities, Remote Work Hub can help you embrace the future of work, today.

Remote Work Hub list new remote job vacancies daily. You can browse our database for the full list of jobs including full time, part time and freelance work from home and work from anywhere jobs with employers worldwide.